What Happens in the First 48 Hours After an Arrest?
An arrest moves fast. Within minutes, you are in custody. Within hours, you are booked, fingerprinted, and standing before a judge. In Florida, the first 48 hours after an arrest involve several critical steps — booking, a first appearance hearing, and a bond determination — and the decisions made during that window...
What Happens in the First 48 Hours After an Arrest? Continue reading…
Petit Theft vs. Grand Theft in Florida: What Orlando Residents Need to Know
Florida draws a sharp line between petit theft and grand theft, and where your charges land on that line determines whether you are facing a misdemeanor or a felony. Under Florida Statute § 812.014, theft of property valued at less than $750 is classified as petit theft, a misdemeanor. Theft of...
Petit Theft vs. Grand Theft in Florida: What Orlando Residents Need to Know Continue reading…
Robbery vs. Theft: Understanding Florida’s Violent Property Crimes
In Florida, robbery and theft are not the same crime. Theft means taking someone's property without permission. Robbery means taking property through force, violence, or the threat of harm. That difference matters enormously in court. Robbery is charged as a violent crime under Florida law, while theft may be a misdemeanor...
Robbery vs. Theft: Understanding Florida’s Violent Property Crimes Continue reading…
How Quickly After an Arrest Do You Need to Contact an Attorney?
You should contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible after an arrest — before speaking to the police. In Florida, anything you say can be used against you from the moment of arrest. The earlier an attorney gets involved, the better protected your rights are during questioning, bail hearings, and...
How Quickly After an Arrest Do You Need to Contact an Attorney? Continue reading…
Florida’s Minimum Mandatory Sentences
Florida criminal law requires courts to impose minimum sentences in certain cases. The legislature has imposed minimum mandatory sentences for serious crimes or repeat violent offenders to ensure that offenders who commit the worst crimes serve significant time and to deter others from committing dangerous or violent crimes. Being charged with a...
Florida’s Minimum Mandatory Sentences Continue reading…
Drug Trafficking vs. Possession: Understanding the Difference
When Orlando police catch someone with drugs, they may charge them with drug possession or trafficking. Whether a defendant faces trafficking or possession charges depends on the facts of their case, including the specific circumstances of their control of the drugs and the quantity of drugs involved. Here’s what you need to...
Drug Trafficking vs. Possession: Understanding the Difference Continue reading…
Arrested for Drug Possession During Spring Break? What to Do
If you’re arrested for drug possession during Spring Break in Orlando, the most important steps are to stay silent, refuse consent to searches, and contact a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. Spring Break arrests in Orlando often involve increased police presence, targeted enforcement near entertainment districts, and fast-moving charges....
Arrested for Drug Possession During Spring Break? What to Do Continue reading…
What Should You Tell Your Criminal Defense Attorney?
Talking to a criminal defense attorney can feel uncomfortable, especially when the facts aren’t flattering to your case. The good news is that Florida law protects most of what you tell your lawyer, and full honesty gives your defense the strongest footing right away.
Attorney-Client Privilege
What Should You Tell Your Criminal Defense Attorney? Continue reading…
Short and Long-Term Consequences of Criminal Charges
Being charged with a crime in Orlando can be an overwhelming experience. You’ll face immediate consequences like bail hearings and arraignment—and you’ll likely face social and personal consequences, too. Here’s what you can expect, so that you’re better able to make informed decisions throughout the process.
Immediate Consequences...
Short and Long-Term Consequences of Criminal Charges Continue reading…
Kinds of Evidence Used in Domestic Violence Cases
Domestic violence cases often rely on many different forms of evidence. Prosecutors and defense attorneys examine not only what was said, but also what can be proven through physical items, witness statements, and digital records. Understanding what types of evidence may be presented in a Florida courtroom can help you see...
Kinds of Evidence Used in Domestic Violence Cases Continue reading…